Lucban, Calabarzon, Philippines, situated at 13.9512°N, 120.7562°E, offers a promising location for solar energy generation. This tropical locale experiences consistent sunlight throughout the year, with seasons primarily characterized by wet and dry periods rather than temperature variations.

Seasonal Solar Performance

Solar panel efficiency in Lucban demonstrates remarkable consistency across seasons, with a notable peak during spring. The average daily electricity output per kilowatt of installed solar capacity is as follows:

• Spring: 6.85 kWh/day
• Summer: 5.28 kWh/day
• Autumn: 5.18 kWh/day
• Winter: 5.07 kWh/day

Spring emerges as the most productive season, likely due to clearer skies and optimal sun angles. The relatively small variation between other seasons indicates reliable year-round solar potential.

Optimal Panel Tilt

For fixed solar panel installations in Lucban, Calabarzon, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round energy production is 13 degrees facing South. This angle optimizes the panels' exposure to sunlight throughout the year, accounting for the location's latitude and the Earth's orbit.

Environmental Considerations

While Lucban's tropical climate is generally favorable for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Typhoons: The Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones, which can potentially damage solar installations. To mitigate this risk, robust mounting systems and high-quality, weather-resistant panels should be used.

2. Heavy Rainfall: The region experiences a pronounced rainy season, typically from June to November. While modern solar panels can still generate electricity in overcast conditions, heavy cloud cover will reduce efficiency. Installing slightly more capacity than needed can help offset these seasonal variations.

3. High Humidity: The tropical climate's high humidity can potentially lead to moisture-related issues in solar equipment. Using corrosion-resistant materials and ensuring proper sealing of all components can prevent long-term damage.

Despite these challenges, with proper planning and installation techniques, Lucban presents an excellent opportunity for consistent, year-round solar energy production. The minimal seasonal variation in output, combined with the high spring performance, makes it an attractive location for solar PV systems.

Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 257 locations across Philippines. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Philippines by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Lucban

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 13.9512, Longitude: 120.7562 (Lucban, Philippines), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:

Average 5.28kWh/day in Summer.

Average 5.18kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 5.07kWh/day in Winter.

Average 6.85kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 13° South in Lucban, Philippines

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Lucban, Philippines (Lat/Long 13.9512, 120.7562) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 13° South for fixed panel installations.

As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.

We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.

At Latitude: 13.9512, Longitude: 120.7562, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 13° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Lucban, Philippines

If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Lucban, Philippines. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 13° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.

This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.

Calculate solar panel row spacing in Lucban, Philippines

We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Lucban, Philippines.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. Minimum Spacing:
   We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.

This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.

Topography for solar PV around Lucban, Philippines

The topography around Lucban, Philippines, is characterized by a diverse landscape that combines rolling hills, lush valleys, and gentle slopes. Situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw, Lucban is nestled in a region known for its picturesque terrain and fertile soil. The area is part of the larger Quezon Province, which features a mix of lowlands and mountainous regions.

To the north and east of Lucban, the land gradually rises towards the slopes of Mount Banahaw, a dormant volcano that dominates the skyline. This mountain range creates a natural backdrop for the town and influences local weather patterns. As you move away from the mountain, the terrain becomes more varied, with undulating hills interspersed with flat areas and small river valleys.

To the south and west, the landscape becomes generally flatter, transitioning into the broader plains of Quezon Province. This area is characterized by a patchwork of agricultural fields, small forests, and scattered settlements. The region also features numerous streams and rivers that flow down from the mountains, creating a network of waterways that shape the local topography.

When considering areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the flatter regions to the south and west of Lucban present the most promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy production:

1. The relatively flat terrain makes it easier and more cost-effective to install large arrays of solar panels.
2. There are fewer natural obstacles like tall trees or steep hills that could cast shadows on the panels, maximizing sun exposure throughout the day.
3. The open spaces in these agricultural areas provide ample room for expansive solar farms without significant land use conflicts.
4. The proximity to existing infrastructure and settlements could facilitate easier grid connection and maintenance access.

However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar PV project would require detailed site-specific assessments, including soil stability studies, environmental impact evaluations, and considerations for local land use regulations. Additionally, while the flatter areas may be most suitable, advances in solar technology have made it increasingly feasible to install solar panels on moderately sloping terrain, potentially opening up more options in the hilly regions around Lucban as well.

Philippines solar PV Stats as a country

Philippines ranks 40th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 1,370 total MW's of solar PV installed. Each year Philippines is generating 13 Watts from solar PV per capita (Philippines ranks 71st in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Philippines?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the Philippines. These include:

1. The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program, which provides a guaranteed rate of return on investments in renewable energy projects;

2. Tax credits and exemptions from certain taxes;

3. Net metering programs that allow businesses to sell excess electricity back to the grid;

4. Grants and loans from government agencies such as the Department of Energy and the Philippine Solar Power Alliance;

5. Technical assistance from organizations like USAID’s Clean Energy Program; and

6. Access to financing through banks, venture capital firms, or other sources of private capital.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Philippines? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential

The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.

However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.

Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site

Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide

Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.

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